Blood Flow Restriction and Its Function in Post- Operative Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Therapy: Expert Opinion

An increasingly popular method for post-operative rehabilitation of an ACL reconstruction, as a substitute for traditionaltherapy, is blood flow restriction therapy (BFR). BFR therapy utilizes a pneumatic cuff to simulate strenuous exercisein an effort to stimulate muscle recruitment, mitigate atrophy, and promote hypertrophy in patients with load-bearinglimitations. Because this is a relatively new form of therapy, there is a lack of established literature and protocol thatis preventing widespread use of the therapy. This article will seek to confirm the value and validity of the utilization ofBFR therapy. In order to validate the utilization of BFR, an evaluation of the science underlying BFR will be discussedas well as the technique and exercises preformed during therapy. Furthermore, analysis of other BFR literature will beutilized to lend further credence to the obtained conclusions. Based on the literature, BFR therapy mitigates atrophythrough type II muscle recruitment while also stimulating hypertrophy in patients, supporting its use post-operatively.Moreover, positive results from BFR case series also lend credence to its value as a substitute for traditional therapyin patients who have weight-bearing limitations, specifically those who are recovering from anterior cruciate ligamentreconstructions.Level of evidence: V